How Long Does It Take to Charge a Chevy Bolt?

December 18th, 2020 by

Once considered a fringe technology, electric cars are quickly gaining ground as a serious eco-friendly alternative to conventional petroleum-powered vehicles. If you want to get into an exciting new technology that’s better for the planet and, in many ways, better for your pocketbook, then you’ll want to check out the Chevy Bolt EV. It’s an electric car that has been lauded for its economical charging and an attractive set of features that make anyone new to electric vehicles feel immediately at home behind the wheel.

2020 Chevy Bolt grey

2020 Chevy Bolt

Chevy Bolt Range – Going the Distance

The Chevy Bolt is the first commercially available electric car that is capable of traveling over 200 miles on a single charge. This makes the Bolt a welcome innovation for car owners who want to cut down on their carbon footprint but also want the option to do more than just in-town driving. With the Chevy Bolt, drivers finally have a practical electric alternative to vehicles with gas and diesel engines.

The Chevy Bolt has been designed from the ground up to offer economical driving with all the convenience your lifestyle demands. On a full charge, the Bolt can travel an EPA-estimated 259 miles. This means you may be able to commute and do errands for several days between charges. It also means that you can confidently take your electric car on quick road trips.

When it comes to your driving experience, the Chevy Bolt doesn’t require any compromises. Its compact design offers ample space. Plus, the Bolt is packed with industry-leading safety features that have earned it the NHTSA 5-Star Overall Vehicle Score for safety. The Chevy Bolt line is available in a range of trim levels with your choice of features. With so many packages and options available, you’ll be sure to find a Chevy Bolt that has exactly what you need.

Charging Up Your Chevy Bolt

Electrical vehicle charging is becoming faster and more convenient every year. There are currently over 40,000 compatible charging stations available to Chevy Bolt owners. The myChevrolet Mobile App with Energy Assist can help you locate the nearest charging station. The app even takes into account your Bolt’s current charge, plus traffic and weather conditions, to get you there as efficiently as possible.

Chevy Bolt Charging Times

When you arrive at a charging station, you can begin charging immediately. It’s as easy as plugging in. Chevy Bolt charging times can vary based on the different charging systems that are available. The electrical “fuel-up” can take from as little as an hour and 20 minutes to a full day. There are three levels of charging options for your Chevy Bolt: Level 1, Level 2, and DC Fast Charging.

Level 1 charging is a versatile option, but it requires the longest charge time. You can use a 120-volt portable charge cord with any standard three-prong electrical outlet. This method will let you top off your charge at home or almost anywhere you go. At this voltage, each hour of charging adds about 4 miles of range. This makes Level 1 charging a good choice when you have a long time to let the vehicle sit, such as overnight, or when you just need a little boost.

Level 2 charging units provide the fastest charging for your Bolt at home. They operate at 240 volts and 32 amps to provide up to 25 miles of range for each hour of charging. This means that you can fully charge your Bolt in about 9.5 hours. Level 2 charging units are available at some public charging stations, and they can also be professionally installed at your home.

DC Fast Charging is the quickest way to charge your Bolt while you’re out and about. DC Fast Charging capability is an optional upgrade to the standard Chevy Bolt, and most owners find it a worthwhile investment. It provides up to 100 miles of range for 30 minutes of charging, allowing you to fully charge up in about an hour and 30 minutes. DC Fast Charging is a convenient option that is offered at public stations and is not available for home use.

How Much Does It Cost to Charge a Chevy Bolt

If you’re shopping for an electric vehicle, you’re probably comparing the charging expenses to the price of driving a car powered by gas or diesel. You might be wondering “how much does it cost to charge a Chevy Bolt?” The answer to this question varies based on the price of electricity in your area. With an average rate of around 12 cents per kilowatt/hour, many Ohio residents can fully charge a Chevy Bolt for around $8. You can even program your Chevy Bolt to only charge during off-peak electricity hours to ensure that you get the best rate possible.

Charging at Home

One of the conveniences that come with owning an electric vehicle is the ability to power up without ever leaving your house. If you’re wondering how to charge Chevy Bolt batteries at home, you’ll be happy to know that you have two great options. Level 1 charging is easy and accessible. You can plug in your Chevy Bolt adapter to any 3-prong outlet to add 4 miles of range per hour of charge. If the relatively slow rate of Level 1 charging seems like it might not be a good fit for you, consider upgrading to Level 2 charging.

Level 2 charging at home requires the installation of a specialized charging unit. Fortunately, Chevrolet has streamlined this process for Chevy Bolt owners by partnering with Qmerit. With Chevy and Qmerit, you can easily find accredited installation technicians in your area. They will help you with every step of the installation process, from understanding the technical aspects of your system to acquiring any necessary permits.

Whether you’re already a Chevy Bolt fan or you’re interested in learning more about this eco-friendly alternative to the mainstream, we’ll be happy to show you some excellent vehicles from the Chevy Bolt range in person here at Cochran Chevrolet. Make an appointment online or call 330-685-9047 to set up a test drive today. Our friendly, knowledgeable team is standing by to answer all your questions and help you find your new Chevy Bolt in Youngstown, Ohio.